REDLANDS >> Joe Greensleeves’ longstanding presence on Orange Street in downtown Redlands has been updated while keeping its classic charm.

The owners Randy and Lauren Briggs together with their three sons JR, Jonathan and Bryan, spent six weeks updating the restaurant that has been in existence since the 1980s.

They have added a distinctive beer list, redesigned the front booth to be the best seat in the house, installed new carpet and prepared upstairs dining rooms for parties and celebrations.

Their website has also been updated to include information about daily specials and events, as well as being the only restaurant in Redlands to offer online reservations through Open Table.

“I think the changes look great,” said Randy Briggs.

“Well I’m excited, I wanted the changes to be subtle,” said Lauren Briggs.

The family wanted to make improvements without losing any of the building’s rich history.

The same red brick exterior leads to the restaurant’s long, narrow dining room with the same intimate atmosphere.

There are also the photos from Redlands’ history adorning the walls, like the photo from the 1890s depicting the building, which was once home to the Redlands Board of Trade.

Chef Memo Mateo is still in the kitchen after 15 years, with his staff creating new and exciting offerings in both American and international cuisines. There is also now an emphasis on having something for everyone.

“We offer a variety of dishes, many of which are $10 or less,” said Lauren Briggs. “We can also get you in and out if you only have 30 minutes for lunch.”

The menu includes inexpensive entrees like club sandwiches and hamburgers, and a pricier choice of filet mignon, veal scaloppini and orange glazed duck.

The restaurant’s wine list is noted for its excellence by Wine Spectator Magazine, and a full bar is available where even Johnnie Walker Scotch Blue may be found.

To top it off Greensleeves’ desserts are made in-house. These include upside-down apple cakes with caramelized nuts and raisins, chocolate cakes and cheesecakes.

Jimmy Cheung, 34, of Redlands ate at Joe Greensleeves for the first time and commented, “Oh it’s good,” while he was enjoying the shrimp cocktail with a friend.

Cheung said he appreciates the welcoming atmosphere that the Briggs family has fostered.

“I like that it’s owned by a Redlands family,” said Cheung. “It’s a different feeling than when you walk into a chain restaurant.”

The feeling that Cheung expressed about Joe Greensleeves is what the Briggs family is always striving toward.

“We wanted it to be a fresh new feel and still feel like home,” said Lauren Briggs.